Police make arrest, ID victim in homicide near Dixie Hwy

Michigan State Police troopers were called Wednesday to investigate a homicide in the 5000 block of Dixie Highway, not far from Kansas Avenue.

That's about halfway between Saginaw and Bridgeport, inside Bridgeport Township.

State Police say 77-year-old James Owens was found dead inside his residence. TV5's Gino Vicci reported police have not yet released how Owens died.

MSP Lt. Brian Cole said the MSP mobile crime lab was at the scene to collect evidence. He said at about 3 p.m. Wednesday, an employee of the excavating company behind the home found the man unresponsive. The man was later declared dead by police.

TV5 learned from employees of the excavating company the victim is well known in the community. He owned the business behind his home and also owned more than 60 rental homes in the Saginaw area.

"There's no sense in it, it's a senseless killing for a good guy," said Scott Jacques, an employee of the victim.

Vicci also reports that one person is in custody in connection to the slaying.

WNEM.com will post more information on the situation as it comes into our newsroom.